British start-up Longbow has launched what it has branded the world’s first ‘Featherweight Electric Vehicle’ – revealing the two-seater Speedster and Roadster. The company claims that this is a new breed of lightweight, hand-built electric sports cars designed with driving purity in mind. With a sub-995kg kerb weight, both models aim to introduce the agility and engagement of classic British sports cars the the world of EVs – with the two models prioritising real-world performance over outright power.
Both models share a bespoke aluminium chassis, engineered for minimal weight and maximum stiffness. The open Speedster weighs in at just 895kg, sprinting from 0-62mph in 3.5 seconds, while the slightly more substantial Roadster tips the scales at 995kg and completes the dash in 3.6 seconds.
Longbow’s founding team is composed of industry veterans with deep experience in electric mobility. Co-founders Daniel Davey and Mark Tapscott were instrumental in the development of the original Tesla Roadster and have since worked with Lucid Motors and BYD. Third co-founder Jenny Keisu brings expertise from the electric marine industry, combining strategic investment knowledge with a passion for sustainable transport.
CEO Daniel Davey commented: ‘Amidst the e-mobility revolution, we have lost something important. Many modern “sports cars” tip the scales at 1500kg or more. There is a need for a more driver-oriented, featherweight, electric sports car – one that is attainable and accessible, for those who love driving and the places it takes them. That is why we have created Longbow.’
The cars will be hand-built in the UK, with the company taking full advantage of the rich motorsport and high-performance engineering industry. The powertrain has been optimised for weight and efficiency, and Longbow promises a driving experience that ‘feels alive in your hands’.
Reservations for both models are now open, with production set to begin in 2026. Just 150 Speedsters and 100 Roadsters will be produced, alongside a handful of ultra-exclusive Luminary 1st Edition and Autograph Edition variants. Prices start from £64,995 for the Roadster and £84,995 for the Speedster, and reservations are open now.
See more at longbowmotors.com
